GTIS Power and Communications Systems
Description
This solar lantern and power system can power a tablet computer 8+ hours a day using solar power only. It has a built-in 1.5W LED strip light for lighting up a table-top, and it could also be used to power external LED lights.
The 12-V DC system includes a DC-DC converter with a single 5-V, 2-A USB output and an adjustable 15 V to 24 V DC-regulated output with multiple adapter tips for various notebook PCs.
The LiFePO4 battery can be recharged over 2000 times, far outlasting “normal ” lithium batteries or AGMs, making this the least expensive solution for systems that will see heavy daily use.
Capacity is 72 watt-hours, about the capacity of an average notebook computer battery. This is enough power to run either a tablet or a 3-watt LED bulb for nearly 24 hours continuously. Although it can power most notebook computers, run time may be less than 8 hours per day. Some Dell and Lenovo 14″ laptops can run 8 hours or more with a 45W panel and some of that run time during daylight hours.
With the addition of a cigarette socket multiplier and the proper 12-V adapters, this system could be used to charge many phones at once or light several LED lights around the room.
Essential Solar Panels and Cables are Optional!
To complete the system you need a 12-V solar panel to charge the system (Choose from our selection or buy something else.) An ac wall charger is NOT included. If you buy the system without panels, no XT60 extension cord is included either, but you can order one.
The Half-Pint’s maximum combined panel rating is 65 watts; do not exceed this or the Half-Pint could be damaged. With 65 W of panel connected in full sun, a charge takes less than two hours from fully depleted to fully charged; if you are also running equipment, it will take longer.
The Half-Pint has a single XT60 Male connector for use with panels mounted on the roof or far away from the power bank. We sell 10 meter long extension cords here. Below are the solar panel options we offer. The first two options listed already have the correct connector to plug 
directly in:
- Two to five Solartec Daisy chain panels (Cheapest, glass covered, 20 year lifetime, but heavy)
- OR two or three 20W thin-film semi-flexible panels. (Most rugged option and lightweight.)
- OR one 50W Sunpower semi-flexible panel (very lightweight, more expensive)
- OR A single Rockpals 60W folding panel, sold on amazon (Not for permanent mounting outdoors)
To use the Rockpals portable panels, we can make panel adapters for you, or you can purchase a female XT60+ connector and solder it onto your panel yourself.
Will this meet my needs? Take a Test Drive!
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Take the Half-Pint XT for an Online Test Drive!
Our Test Drive tool will simulate the weather conditions and your equipment loads for one week and tell you if you’ll run out of power! Detailed instructions for the Test Drive are here.
